Here we go again

The High Holy Days are upon us again...as our synagogue e-mails keep reminding us, "September comes early this year". Which I'm not sure is exactly what they mean, but no matter.

I've been meaning to blog this article since the last High Holy Days. Here's the first paragraph:

Somewhere along the way in Jewish history in North America, we created a myth. This myth continues to be perpetuated each year in most communities, though there are a few bold, practical thinkers who attempt to shatter it. The myth is that it costs money to pray, especially during the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and advanced-purchase tickets are required.

C and I have long had issue with the way our synagogue handles dues, both how much they are and how they're determined. Yes, we get them abated each year, but it does something to one's dignity to have to go talk to the executive director every year and explain that we don't have any more money than we did last year because we both work for non-profits, and this isn't liable to change at any point in the foreseeable future. Yes, the executive director is very kind and understanding and interested in making sure we don't promise to pay more than we can afford, but still...it's demeaning. But for now, our synagogue is our crazy Jewish family of whom we are fond, so we keep returning.

More HHD fun to follow.